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Department grounds Daly City electrician for workers’ comp fraud

News: 2018 Press Release

For Release: May 3, 2018
Media Calls Only: 916-492-3566
Email Inquiries: cdipress@insurance.ca.gov

Department grounds Daly City electrician for workers’ comp fraud
Electrician arrested after allegedly collecting workers’ comp benefits from multiple insurers while working
SAN MATEO, Calif. — Michael Williams, 34, of Daly City, was arrested last week on 21 felony counts of insurance fraud and grand theft after allegedly working for multiple employers while collecting over $85,000 in workers' compensation benefits from two different insurers.

In November 2014, Williams was working as an electrician when he sustained a work-related injury. He filed a workers' compensation claim with the State Compensation Insurance Fund (SCIF) and began collecting temporary workers' compensation benefits.

"Individuals who file fraudulent workers' compensation claims take advantage of a system designed to help honest workers injured on the job," said Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. "Unscrupulous people cheating the system cost Californians millions of dollars every year in higher premiums through increased rates and higher costs of goods and services. My department will remain diligent in investigating insurance fraud to protect California consumers and businesses."

An investigation by the California Department of Insurance revealed that in March 2015 Williams began working for a different employer, yet continued allegedly collecting payments from SCIF. In May 2015, Williams sustained another work-related injury and filed another workers' compensation claim this time with Travelers Insurance. Between March 2015 and November 2016, Williams allegedly worked for and was paid by three different employers. At one point, Williams was collecting payments from SCIF and Travelers for two different work-related injuries.

To continue collecting benefits, William allegedly misrepresented his level of abilities, earnings and employment status to SCIF and medical providers including providing false statements to his Qualified Medical Examiner to collect permanent disability benefits after the temporary benefits were exhausted. Williams was also charged with grand theft for allegedly using his former employer's credit card for personal expenses including an engagement ring.

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Media Notes:
  • This case is being prosecuted by the San Mateo District Attorney's Office.
  • Arrest photo


Led by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, the California Department of Insurance is the consumer protection agency for the nation's largest insurance marketplace and safeguards all of the state’s consumers by fairly regulating the insurance industry. Under the Commissioner’s direction, the Department uses its authority to protect Californians from insurance rates that are excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory, oversee insurer solvency to pay claims, set standards for agents and broker licensing, perform market conduct reviews of insurance companies, resolve consumer complaints, and investigate and prosecute insurance fraud. Consumers are urged to call 1-800-927-4357 with any questions or contact us at www.insurance.ca.gov via webform or online chat. Non-media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800-927-4357. Teletypewriter (TTY), please dial 800-482-4833.

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